Association between patient attachment to a regular doctor and self‐perceived unmet health care needs in Canada: A population‐based analysis of the 2013 to 2014 Canadian community health surveys

Background Although Canada operates a universal health care insurance system, equitable access to required health care services when needed still poses a challenge for some. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between patient attachment to a family physician and self‐perceived unmet health care needs (UHN) in Canada, after adjusting for predisposing, enabling, and need factors of the behavioral model of health services use. Methods This cross‐sectional study used data from the Canadian Community Health Surveys, cycle 2013 to 2014. A sample of 58 462 individuals aged 12 years and over was analyzed. Logistic regression models were used to examine the relationship between patient attachment and self‐perceived UHN. Results An estimated 10.41% of the Canadian population 12 years and older reported having UHN in the previous year. Among people with self‐perceived UHN, there was significantly greater likelihood of unattachment to a family physician—no regular doctor or having a regular site of care, being younger, being female, being divorced, separated or widowed, having higher education, having lower income, having poorer perceived physical or mental health, having a weak sense of community belonging, having at least one chronic condition, and having greater activity limitations. Conclusion Ongoing public discourses on improving primary health care performance and reducing the burden of UHN in Canada should prioritize efforts that promote and facilitate the use of a regular family physician.